Chichester food rescue charity to hold cook-along fundraiser as demand for food surges

UKHarvest, based in Selsey Road, said it was currently delivering three times the amount of food as in previous years.

The number of organisations it provides food to doubled during the first four weeks of lockdown, from 75 to more than 150, with requests for help still coming in.

A spokesman said: “Covid-19 has hit hard, and we have never seen such a high demand for food.”

The charity collects surplus food from all types of food providers and delivers to charities and vulnerable people for free.

This summer, it delivered the equivalent of more than one million meals.

Every week it delivers the equivalent of 35,000 meals in Chichester and West Sussex alone.

During the current lockdown, demand has surged again and the charity expects this to further increase over the winter months.

Due to the current restrictions, the charity had to cancel what is usually its largest annual fundraising event – the gala dinner.

Instead, in order to raise money to help combat hunger this winter, UKHarvest is launching its first online cook-along.

Participants will be able to join professional chefs, The Hairy Harvesters, live from their own homes and prepare a three course meal involving some of the UK’s top 10 most wasted foods.

The event takes place at 6.30pm on Friday, November 27.

Tickets cost just £15 per household with all proceeds going directly to UKHarvest.

A spokesman said: “This is perfect opportunity for families and support bubbles to learn and enjoy an evening together within the current lockdown restrictions.”

Vegetarians, Vegan and Gluten Free options are available and will be catered for during the live cook-a-long.